2023 NHL Draft Live Tracker: 1st-round results, reactions, grades, and analysis

2023 NHL Draft: First round results

1) Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard, C, Regina Pats (WHL)
2) Anaheim Ducks: Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro (SHL)
3) Columbus Blue Jackets: Adam Fantilli, C, University of Michigan (NCAA)
4) San Jose Sharks: Will Smith, C, US National Team Development Program (USNTDP)
5) Montreal Canadiens: David Reinbacher, D, Kloten (NLA)
6) Arizona Coyotes: Dmitri Simashev, D, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)
7) Philadelphia Flyers: Matvei Michkov, W, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
8) Washington Capitals: Ryan Leonard, W, USNTDP
9) Detroit Red Wings: Nate Danielson, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
10) St. Louis Blues: Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
11) Vancouver Canucks: Tom Willander, D, Rogle BK (SHL)
12) Arizona Coyotes (via Senators): Daniil But, W, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
13) Buffalo Sabres: Zach Benson, W, Winnipeg ICE (WHL)
14) Pittsburgh Penguins: Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
15) Nashville Predators: Matthew Wood, W, University of Connecticut (NCAA)
16) Calgary Flames: Samuel Honzek, W, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
17) Detroit Red Wings (via Canucks/Islanders): Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, Skelleftea (SHL)
18) Winnipeg Jets: Colby Barlow, W, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
19) Chicago Blackhawks (via Lightning): Oliver Moore, C, USNTDP
20) Seattle Kraken: Eduard Sale, W, Brno (Czech Extraliga)
21) Minnesota Wild: Charlie Stramel, C, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
22) Philadelphia Flyers (via Kings): Oliver Bonk, D, London Knights (OHL)
23) New York Rangers: Gabriel Perreault, W, USNTDP
24) Nashville Predators (via Oilers): Tanner Molendyk, D, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
25) St. Louis Blues (via Maple Leafs): Otto Stenberg, C, Frolunda (SHL)
26) San Jose Sharks (via Devils): Quentin Musty, W, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
27) Colorado Avalanche: Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
28) Toronto Maple Leafs (via Capitals/Bruins): Easton Cowan, W, London Knights (OHL)
29) St. Louis Blues (via Stars/Rangers): Theo Lindstein, D, Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)
30) Carolina Hurricanes: Bradly Nadeau, W, Penticton Vees (BCHL)
31) Colorado Avalanche (via Canadiens/Panthers): Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Avangard Omsk (KHL)
32) Vegas Golden Knights: David Edstrom, C, Frolunda (SHL)

Not seen in 16 years

The 2023 NHL Draft marked the first time the first round went by without a single trade since 2007

Tonight marks the first time since 2007 that no trades were completed during Round 1 of the #NHLDraft.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 29, 2023

"Everything got quiet"

St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong had three first-round picks and he was open for business. He gave his perspective on a first round that saw no action on the trade front despite significant speculation.

Doug Armstrong on thinking he'd get more calls on his picks; said he wasn't surprised: "It seemed like everything got quiet, quiet around the league. We didn't see anything today. Usually you see picks flying back and forth and everything. It was just a quiet night." #stlblues

— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) June 29, 2023

Best prospects available

As we head into Rounds 2 through 7 of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, let's take a look at some of the best prospects still available in no particular order.

• Riley Heidt, C, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
• Gavin Brindley, C, University of Michigan (NCAA)
• Andrew Cristall, W, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
• Lukas Dragicevic, D, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
• Danny Nelson, C, USNTDP
• Jayden Perron, W, Chicago Steel (USHL)

A valiant effort

Incoming Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz did not make a trade to kick off the 2023 NHL Draft. However, it wasn't for a lack of trying.

Barry Trotz confirms the #preds did everything they could to acquire one of the top-four picks: "I was trying like crazy."

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 29, 2023

A quiet first round

Despite a ton of talk about trades galore heading into the night, there were no trades during the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft.

The Champs close it out

Your Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights end the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft by keeping their pick and selecting Frolunda center David Edstrom.

Familiar faces

St. Louis Blues draft pick Otto Stenberg was happy to see the team draft a few players he shares a long history with.

Otto Stenberg was pleased that the #stlblues    selected Theo Lindstein. Has known him for six years or so. Also knows Dalibor Dvorsky.

— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) June 29, 2023

Maple Leafs go off the board

The Toronto Maple Leafs begin the Brad Treliving era by going off the board to select London Knights winger Easton Cowan with the 28th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Price has jokes

Former Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price took to Twitter to issue a humorous apology to the team's first-round pick David Reinbacher after blanking on the Austrian defender's name on the podium.

Boy that was embarrassing. Sorry David….. Reinbacher. 🤦🏻‍♂️😅

— Carey Price (@CP0031) June 29, 2023

Smashville picks again

The hosting Nashville Predators utilized an outdoor concert to make their second first-round selection, taking Saskatoon Blades defender Tanner Molendyk.

Perreault Watch ends

US National Team Development Program star Gabe Perreault slipped further than most anticipated in the 2023 NHL Draft. However, the New York Rangers ended his slide by selecting him 23rd overall.

Full circle moment

The Philadelphia Flyers selected London Knights blueliner Oliver Bonk with the 22nd overall selection. This pick comes 29 years to the day that Oliver's father, Radek Bonk, went third overall to the Ottawa Senators in 1994.

Seattle rounds out top 20

The Seattle Kraken round out the first 20 picks of the first round by selecting Czech winger Eduard Sale at the 2023 NHL Draft

Blackhawks pick again

After making Connor Bedard the first overall pick, the Chicago Blackhawks selected US National Team Program star Oliver Moore with the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

The preferred destination

Third overall pick Adam Fantilli told the Columbus Blue Jackets he preferred to play for their franchise. And there's apparently recorded proof of this conversation.

#CBJ Adam Fantilli told CBJ staffers well before the draft that he saw Cbus as his preferred destination. (They have a recording of this, apparently.)
Why Cbus?
"It’s close to home. It’ll be a great fit. There’s a lot of Michigan guys. It felt like it would be the right spot."

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 29, 2023

Still no trades

Despite a ton of rumors heading into the 2023 NHL Draft, there are still no trades to report. The Detroit Red Wings elected to use the 17th overall pick instead of including it in a potential deal for Ottawa Senators sniper Alex DeBrincat. Detroit selected defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka with this selection.

Bedard joins Sportsnet

Chicago Blackhawks first overall pick Connor Bedard took some time to join the Sportsnet analyst panel at the 2023 NHL Draft after hearing his name called to begin the night.

Connor Bedard joins the Sportsnet panel to chat about his #NHLDraft journey, joining Chicago, and how he brought a piece of his grandfather to the draft with him. pic.twitter.com/6Q7qKs9rVU

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 29, 2023

And the award goes to...

Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill was named the General Manager of the Year at the 2023 NHL Draft. Nill built a Stars team that came within two wins of an appearance in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final.

#Smashville outgoing GM David Poile announces #Stars GM Jim Nill as the 2023 Jim Gregory GM of the Year Award winner.

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) June 29, 2023

Welcome back, Brad

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving can now officially join his team's draft table after his former team, the Calgary Flames, selected Samuel Honzek with the 16th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Brad Treliving has returned to the Draft floor following the Flames pick. pic.twitter.com/CJSq5UnC9F

— David Alter (@dalter) June 29, 2023

The hosts take the podium

The Nashville Predators, hosts of the 2023 NHL Draft, select UConn star Matthew Wood with the 15th pick of the draft in front as their fans cheer them on.

Anaheim's 30th anniversary

In some non-NHL Draft-related news, the Anaheim Ducks have unveiled their 30th Anniversary jersey. The jersey harkens back to the team's days as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

Honoring our Mighty legacy

We're thrilled to introduce our 30th Anniversary jersey!
#FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/lGnXlN599M

— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) June 29, 2023

Michkov reacts

Philadelphia Flyers draft pick Matvei Michkov reacted to the Flyers making him the seventh selection in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Matvei Michkov via translator and Flyers scout Ken Hoodikoff: "He's extremely excited and extremely happy to be with the Philadelphia Flyers. It was his dream. This was the team he wanted to be drafted by."

— Olivia Reiner (@ReinerOlivia) June 29, 2023

The Lokomotiv Coyotes

The Arizona Coyotes decided to double dip in the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl well, selecting six-foot-five winger Daniil But with the 12th overall selection in the 2023 NHL Draft.

A moment with Mom

Arizona Coyotes draft pick Dmitri Simashev met with reporters after his selection with the sixth overall pick. He revealed his mother's incredibly heartfelt reaction to hearing her son's name called by the Coyotes.

6th overall pick Dmitri Simashev came to the draft with his mom. "When they said my name, my mom gasped and said, "I'm proud, and it's your dream to be drafted. It was your dream."

He started playing when he was 4 years old, and said with a huge smile, "My mom is a hockey mom."

— Patrick Brown (@pbrownhockey) June 29, 2023

Blues round out top 10

The St. Louis Blues have rounded out the top 10 of the 2023 NHL Draft by selecting AIK star Dalibor Dvorsky.

Red Wings add a center

The Detroit Red Wings add to their center depth with the 9th overall selection, picking Brandon Wheat Kings star Nate Danielson with their first of two first-round picks in this draft.

Capitals take Leonard

The Washington Capitals miss out on Matvei Michkov but add an incredible talent nonetheless. Washington selects US National Team Development Program star Ryan Leonard with the eighth overall selection in the 2023 NHL Draft.

"David..."

Montreal Canadiens legend Carey Price announced the team's selection of Austrian defender David Reinbacher with the fifth overall pick. The announcement didn't exactly go as smoothly as he may have envisioned, however.

Oopise...Carey Price forgot the name of the player the Habs were drafting 😂 pic.twitter.com/dFGNTY1kS5

— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) June 28, 2023

Michkov watch ends

Russian phenom Matvei Michkov had an interesting draft projection considering his contract situation with the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia. He ends up heading to the Philadelphia Flyers with the seventh overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

The first major surprise

The Arizona Coyotes threw a massive curveball with the sixth overall pick, selecting Lokomotiv Yaroslavl blueliner Dmitri Simashev over players such as Matvei Michkov or Ryan Leonard.

Habs go defense

Montreal Canadiens legend Carey Price may have had a hard time remembering his name. However, David Reinbacher will always remember this night, as he was selected by the Habs with the fifth overall pick.

Sharks take Smith

The first four picks of the 2023 NHL Draft have played out similarly to how we believed it would. The San Jose Sharks have selected USNTDP star Will Smith with the fourth overall selection in the draft.

Bedard vs. Crosby

Chicago Blackhawks prospect Connor Bedard spoke with the media after his selection. Bedard spoke about facing Pittsburgh Penguins star and future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby in his first National Hockey League game.

Connor Bedard will get to play his idol Sidney Crosby in his first NHL game, set for Oct. 10 in Pittsburgh.

“Gotta make it first, but that’ll be unreal. My favorite player growing up and a big idol of mine. If that happens, for me personally, you can’t script it any better.”

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) June 28, 2023

Blue Jackets add a Michigan man

The Columbus Blue Jackets probably didn't envision University of Michigan star Adam Fantilli being there with the third overall pick. However, they certainly aren't complaining as they have selected Fantilli with that pick.

Ducks answer the mystery

Much debate was had over what the Anaheim Ducks would do with the second overall selection. In the end, GM Pat Verbeek goes with Swedish center Leo Carlsson, passing on the consensus second best player in the class in Adam Fantilli.

Blackhawks fans react

Blackhawks fans attending the draft in Nashville rejoiced as their team officially selected Connor Bedard first overall.

#Blackhawks fans are pumped about their No. 1 pick. Can’t imagine why. pic.twitter.com/fZmx6jTOo9

— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) June 28, 2023

The Blackhawks make it official

The Chicago Blackhawks have made it official, selecting Regina Pats superstar Connor Bedard with the first overall selection in the 2023 NHL Draft.

A legend honored

Before the 2023 NHL Draft officially began, commissioner Gary Bettman honored David Poile. Poile is set to step aside as general manager of the Nashville Predators on July 1 after spending 25 years at the helm. Former Predators head coach Barry Trotz will take his place in the GM chair.

Outgoing #Preds GM David Poile gets a Gibson guitar from Pekka Rinne and Roman Josi. pic.twitter.com/QFGgO8o8bR

— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) June 28, 2023